History of FKA Twigs in Timeline
Tahliah Debrett Barnett, known as FKA Twigs, is a British artist renowned for her genre-bending music. Starting as a backup dancer, she debuted with EP1 in 2012. Her debut album, LP1 (2014), achieved chart success and a Mercury Prize nomination. After a four-year hiatus, she released Magdalene (2019) followed by the mixtape Caprisongs (2022) under Atlantic Records. Her unique style blends elements of electronic, trip hop, R&B, and avant-garde music.
January 1988: Early Life and Family Background
Tahliah Debrett Barnett was born in January 1988 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, to an English dancer and gymnast mother and a Jamaican musician father.
January 1988: Birth of Tahliah Debrett Barnett
Tahliah Debrett Barnett, later known as FKA Twigs, was born in January 1988.
1994: The Twigs: A Musical Duo's Emergence
Unrelated to FKA Twigs, a musical duo called "The Twigs," consisting of twin sisters, began their musical career in 1994.
2010: Early Backup Dancing and Music Exploration
At age 16, FKA Twigs began her musical journey in youth clubs, and by 2010, at age 17, she moved to South London to pursue dance, eventually becoming a backup dancer for artists like Jessie J.
2011: Backup Dancing and Striving for a Unique Sound
Throughout 2011, FKA Twigs continued working as a backup dancer, appearing in music videos for artists such as Dionne Bromfield and Jessie J, while simultaneously working with producers to develop her own musical style.
December 2012: Debut EP Release
FKA Twigs released her debut EP, "EP1," on Bandcamp in December 2012, accompanied by self-produced music videos on YouTube.
2012: Debut EP and Name Change
FKA Twigs, after working as a backup dancer, made her musical debut with "EP1" in 2012. She also adopted the stage name FKA Twigs.
2012: Modeling, Stage Name, and Artistic Identity
In 2012, FKA Twigs was featured on the cover of i-D magazine, marking her foray into modeling. Around this time, she also adopted the stage name "Twigs," later adding "FKA" to avoid confusion with another artist.
August 2013: "Water Me" Release and Critical Recognition
FKA Twigs released the music video for her single "Water Me" in August 2013, garnering attention and praise from The Guardian.
April 2014: The Fader Cover and Album Preparation
FKA Twigs graced the cover of The Fader magazine in April 2014, further solidifying her rising status in the music industry. During this time, she began working on her debut studio album.
September 2014: Begins Dating Robert Pattinson
FKA Twigs began dating actor Robert Pattinson in September 2014.
2014: Collaboration with Boots and EP Announcement
Producer Boots revealed his collaboration with FKA Twigs on her third EP in 2014.
2014: Mercury Prize Nomination, Performances, and US Television Debut
In 2014, FKA Twigs received a Mercury Prize nomination for "LP1." She also delivered a memorable performance on BBC's 'Later... with Jools Holland' and made her US television debut on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.'
2014: Musical Influences and Personal Style
In 2014, FKA Twigs cited Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Marvin Gaye as early influences. She described her evolving sound and a desire to create music authentic to herself.
2014: Critical Acclaim and Comparisons
In 2014 and beyond, FKA Twigs' music received critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to artists such as Tricky, Kate Bush, Janet Jackson, the xx, and Massive Attack. Her unique sound and style continued to garner recognition and analysis.
2014: Breakthrough with "LP1"
FKA Twigs released her debut studio album, "LP1," which achieved chart success and earned her a Mercury Prize nomination in 2014.
2014: Rising Profile and Industry Recognition
FKA Twigs continued to gain recognition in 2014, being nominated for the BBC's Sound of 2014 prize and featured on Spotify's Spotlight on 2014 list and Billboard's 14 Artists to Watch list.
February 2015: Congregata Performance: A Visual Autobiography
FKA Twigs presented "Congregata," a theatrical performance that blended choreography and visual elements to tell the story of her life, at the Roundhouse in Camden, London, in February 2015.
March 2015: "Glass & Patron" Release and Visual Exploration
FKA Twigs unveiled the music video for "Glass & Patron," the first single from her upcoming EP, in March 2015. The video, directed by Twigs herself, showcased her unique visual style and artistic vision.
July 2015: Premiere of "Good to Love" and Soundtrack 7 Residency
FKA Twigs premiered her song "Good to Love" during her Soundtrack 7 residency at the Manchester International Festival in July 2015.
2015: Creation and Filming of Soundtrack 7
FKA Twigs created and filmed the dance film "Soundtrack 7" over seven days at the Manchester International Festival in 2015.
2015: Exploration and Experimentation with "M3LL155X"
FKA Twigs explored new artistic territory with the release of her experimental EP "M3LL155X" in 2015.
2015: "M3LL155X" Release and Critical Acclaim
FKA Twigs released her highly anticipated EP, "M3LL155X," in 2015. The EP, accompanied by four visually stunning music videos directed by Twigs herself, received widespread critical acclaim for its experimental sound and artistic depth.
2016: "Good to Love" Release and New Stage Show
FKA Twigs officially released "Good to Love" in 2016, following its premiere the previous year. She also debuted a new stage show titled "Radiant Me²" at the Lastochka Festival in Moscow, where she performed new, unreleased music.
2016: Soundtrack 7 Film Release and Commercial Work
The dance film "Soundtrack 7," directed by FKA Twigs and filmed during her residency at the Manchester International Festival, premiered in 2016. That year, she also directed and starred in a Nike ad and danced in an Apple HomePod commercial.
December 2017: Undergoes Surgery for Fibroid Tumors
In December 2017, FKA Twigs underwent surgery to remove fibroid tumors from her uterus, describing the experience as incredibly painful.
2017: Relationship with Robert Pattinson Ends; Faces Online Abuse
FKA Twigs and Robert Pattinson end their relationship in 2017. Following their breakup, she became a target of racist and sexist online harassment.
2018: Begins Relationship with Shia LaBeouf
FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf begin dating in mid-2018 after meeting on the set of "Honey Boy."
2018: Collaboration with ASAP Rocky
FKA Twigs collaborated with ASAP Rocky in 2018, featuring on his track "Fukk Sleep" from his album "Testing".
April 2019: Release of "Cellophane"
In April 2019, FKA Twigs released "Cellophane", marking her first single release since "Good to Love" in 2016.
November 2019: Release of "Magdalene" and "Honey Boy" Premiere
November 2019 marked the release of FKA Twigs' critically acclaimed album "Magdalene." The same day, the film "Honey Boy," in which she played Shy Girl, premiered to positive reviews.
2019: Return and Critical Acclaim with "Magdalene"
After a four-year hiatus, FKA Twigs returned to music with her second studio album, "Magdalene," which garnered widespread critical acclaim in 2019.
2019: Relationship with Shia LaBeouf Ends
FKA Twigs and Shia LaBeouf's relationship ends in mid-2019.
2019: Further Recognition and Comparisons
Following the release of her album 'Magdalene' in 2019, FKA Twigs' musical style was further analyzed, with comparisons to artists like Billie Holiday and Siouxsie and the Banshees, solidifying her position as a unique and influential figure in contemporary music.
December 2020: Files Lawsuit Against Shia LaBeouf
In December 2020, FKA Twigs files a lawsuit against Shia LaBeouf, citing sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress during their relationship.
2020: Evolving Artistry and Recognition
By 2020, FKA Twigs' artistic evolution and exploration of personal themes in her music led to comparisons with artists like Janelle Monáe, Fiona Apple, Solange, and Lana Del Rey, highlighting her depth and impact on the music scene.
2020: Begins Relationship with Matty Healy
FKA Twigs starts dating musician Matty Healy from The 1975 in 2020.
2020: Adopts Vegan Lifestyle Due to Health Reasons
In 2020, FKA Twigs adopted a vegan lifestyle, discovering that consuming animal products worsened her fibroid tumor symptoms.
2020: Music Video Release, Award Nomination, and Grammy Museum Chat
In 2020, FKA Twigs appeared in the music video for "Sum Bout U" with rapper 645AR. Her video for "Sad Day" premiered in August. She received four nominations at the UK Music Video Awards, winning for Best Cinematography.
January 2021: Release of "Don't Judge Me" and Collaboration Announcements
On January 26, 2021, FKA Twigs released "Don't Judge Me," featuring Headie One and Fred Again. She revealed upcoming collaborations for a new album, with artists such as Rema and Pa Salieu.
July 2021: Direction of Koreless' "White Picket Fence" Music Video
In July 2021, FKA Twigs directed the music video for Koreless' single, "White Picket Fence".
September 2021: Mixtape Announcement and Collaboration Teasers
FKA Twigs engaged with fans on Discord, confirming her upcoming project as a mixtape. She revealed collaborations with artists like el Guincho, Koreless, Arca, Mike Dean, Cirkut, and Yung Lean.
November 2021: Release of "Measure of a Man"
In November 2021, FKA Twigs released "Measure of a Man," featuring Central Cee, as part of "The King's Man" film soundtrack.
January 2022: Release of "Caprisongs" Mixtape
FKA Twigs' mixtape "Caprisongs," featuring collaborations with various artists, was released on January 14, 2022, with "Tears in the Club" (featuring The Weeknd) as its lead single.
June 2022: Release of "Killer"
FKA Twigs released "Killer," the lead single from her upcoming third studio album, in June 2022.
July 2022: Release of "Killer" Music Video
The music video for "Killer," directed by Yoann Lemoine and featuring choreography with Arón Piper, was released in July 2022.
2022: Relationship with Matty Healy Ends
FKA Twigs and Matty Healy's relationship ends in 2022.
2022: Joins Musicians For Palestine Pledge
In 2022, FKA Twigs joins the Musicians For Palestine pledge, refusing to perform in Israel. This decision follows the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis.
2022: New Beginnings with Atlantic Records and "Caprisongs"
Marking a new chapter in her career, FKA Twigs signed with Atlantic Records and released the mixtape "Caprisongs" in 2022.
September 2023: Performance at Vogue World: London
In September 2023, FKA Twigs performed a cover of "It's a Fine Day" at Vogue World: London, accompanied by Cara Delevingne and dancers from the Rambert Dance Company.
2023: Begins Relationship with Jordan Hemingway
As of 2023, FKA Twigs is in a relationship with director and photographer Jordan Hemingway.
January 2024: Calvin Klein Advertisement Controversy
A Calvin Klein advertisement featuring FKA Twigs posing semi-nude was banned by the UK Advertising Standards Authority in January 2024, sparking debate around the portrayal of women in advertising.
March 2024: Reversal of Calvin Klein Advertisement Ban
The UK Advertising Standards Authority revoked its ban on the controversial Calvin Klein advertisement featuring FKA Twigs in March 2024, acknowledging public opinion and concerns about its initial decision.
April 2024: Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Subcommittee
In April 2024, FKA Twigs testifies before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property advocating for regulations on deepfakes and artificial intelligence.
October 2024: Lawsuit Against Shia LaBeouf Scheduled for Trial
The lawsuit filed by FKA Twigs against Shia LaBeouf is set to proceed to trial in October 2024.